St. Louis 2017 (CFA)

Through my work, I occasionally have the privilege to travel to different markets across the country to visit Operators and get their feedback on our training materials. This time I traveled to St. Louis to visit Restaurant Operators participating in the Grilled Spicy Sandwich Test. Such a fun time to travel and build relationships with Operators and fellow colleagues from the Support Center in Atlanta.

With a personal recommendation informing us that The Hill is the place to find authentic Italian food in St. Louis, we decided to trust our Yelp instincts and try this iconic Restaurant. The meatballs, lasagna and chicken parmesan did not disappoint!

As we began to explore the St. Louis restaurant scene, we made an eye-opening discovery: Panera Bread Co. actually started and is still properly known as the Saint Louis Bread Co. The first locations came out of the Kirkwood neighborhood.

We had the opportunity to order place a carryout mobile order and saw our meal status change from "preparing" to "ready" in real time while we waited! As an avid user of the Chick-fil-A One App, I am always curious of how competitors are similarly innovating in the on-demand space.

We were able to stop here for lunch and to-go candy on our first full day in St. Louis. Founded in 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is one of the top St. Louis landmarks and feels like you're stepping back in time!

We were able to stop here for lunch and to-go candy on our first full day in St. Louis. Founded in 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is one of the top St. Louis landmarks and feels like you're stepping back in time!

We were able to stop here for lunch and to-go candy on our first full day in St. Louis. Founded in 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is one of the top St. Louis landmarks and feels like you're stepping back in time!

We were able to stop here for lunch and to-go candy on our first full day in St. Louis. Founded in 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is one of the top St. Louis landmarks and feels like you're stepping back in time!

We were able to stop here for lunch and to-go candy on our first full day in St. Louis. Founded in 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is one of the top St. Louis landmarks and feels like you're stepping back in time!

We were able to stop here for lunch and to-go candy on our first full day in St. Louis. Founded in 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is one of the top St. Louis landmarks and feels like you're stepping back in time!

We were able to stop here for lunch and to-go candy on our first full day in St. Louis. Founded in 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is one of the top St. Louis landmarks and feels like you're stepping back in time!

While frantically walking under the rotunda, this is from our first attempt to get tickets to the top of the Gateway Arch. Some Park Rangers for this National Monument are located in the Old Courthouse.

Walking to our first attempt to make it to the top of the Arch. The Park Ranger at the Old Courthouse seemed confident that we could make it in time -- he was wrong. This photo was taken as a vertical panorama.

After our failed attempt to go to the top of the Arch, we decided to check off another St. Louis landmark off the list. Pappy's Smokehouse is one of the originals in town and the family operation has spawned several other offshoots in town.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Pappy's Smokehouse experience (even though they were out of brisket). Here is a view of the wall of fame with folks who have signed their menu and has since been laminated and posted.